The days of rotund ring-masters and dilapidated big tops are gone.

Over the past couple of years, circus has risen to the top of the cultural agenda thanks to a combination of inventive staging and boundary-pushing choreography.

To celebrate the ascent of contemporary circus, The Lowry has programmed a series of exhilarating performances, plus an exhibition of striking circus-inspired photography by critically acclaimed fine-art duo Anderson and Low.

Anderson and Low’s exhibition Circus, which runs until April 11, features a series of unforgettable images of a circus troupe working on Blackpool Pleasure Beach — shown in stunning detail, both in performance and alone among the amusement park rides.

* Anderson and Low: Circus is at The Lowry, Salford Quays until April 11. Donation admission.